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Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act 

 Public Law 566 (16 U.S.C. 1001-1008, 33 U.S.C. 701b) 



Due to erosion, floodwater, and sediment damages in the Nation's water- 

 sheds, Congress passed the Watershed Protection and Flood Control Act 

 in August, 1954. The act authorizes the Department of Agriculture to 

 cooperate with states (and their political subdivisions), soil or water 

 conservation districts, flood prevention or control districts, and other 

 local public agencies, for the purpose of preventing such damages and 

 thereby preserving and protecting the Nation's land and water resources. 

 The act is oriented towards "works of improvement", which include: 

 1) flood prevention (structural or land treatment measures), and 2) con- 

 servation, development, utilization, and disposal of water in watersheds 

 not exceeding 250,000 acres (with other restrictions). The Department 

 of Agriculture is authorized to assist local organizations (upon appli- 

 cation of the organizations) in making investigations and surveys of 

 watersheds as a basis for the development of coordinated programs. 



Non-federal, as well as National Forest lands, are affected by the act. 

 Cost-sharing programs are available for critical area tree planting and 

 technical assistance for implementing forestry measures oriented toward 

 the goals of the act. Administration of the law is handled by the Soil 

 Conservation Service in cooperation with the Forest Service, state 

 foresters, and other public agencies. 



Implementation of Public Law 566 has been very similar to the Flood 

 Control Act, discussed previously. (Most programs have been oriented 

 toward construction-type projects.). Methods for improving program 



